As part of a continuing effort to understand and support all those affected by COVID-19, particularly women and families, Arogya World conducted an informal survey of women in June 2020. The goal was to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on women of all ages, and to hear women’s voices describe, in their own words, what they believe the future will look like in a post-pandemic world.
Highlights are presented here and show the far-reaching impact from COVID-19 on many women, with one in five saying the pandemic has completely changed her life. Yet despite uncertainty and challenges, women have managed through the pandemic. While loneliness and eating healthy have been particularly challenging, women report they’ve been able to exercise, take care of their mental health, and cope with changes to their lives. However, this doesn’t mean women expect life to return to normal after the pandemic. Most of their comments signal a belief that – for better or worse – life will never be the same in a post-pandemic world.
Please read the survey highlights and feel free to comment or share. And please look for information on our next women’s webinar August 28, where we’ll explore the impact of COVID-19 and the economy on working women, home-schooling and their families.
COVID-19 and Women’s Survey Highlights (nearly 80 respondents, mostly from US):
- 58 percent of the women said the pandemic has changed their life very much or completely.
- Still, 61 percent said they have been able to cope with life through the pandemic.
- 62 percent of the women said they have been able to exercise.
- Slightly less than half – 47 percent – said they have been able to eat healthy through the pandemic.
- Less than half – 43 percent – said they have been able to take care of their mental health during the pandemic.
- A little more than a third – 37 percent – are confident the future, post-COVID, will be bright.
- 43 percent of the women worry about their mothers, and a third worry about their daughters.
Women’s Reflections
Women’s reflections on the pandemic and the future are as varied as women themselves. Many express loss – of income, freedom, health – and many worry about the future. Many have felt profound loneliness during times of lockdown. Still others are hopeful that positive, healing changes are on the horizon for the world after the pandemic is over. One point most women agree on: Life will not be the same in a post-pandemic world.
Below are some of their comments.
